Exercise Indradhanush commenced at Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh:
The fifth edition of Exercise Indradhanush was jointly commenced at Air Force Station Hindan, Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on 24 February 2020. The exercise is held between the Indian Air Force (IAF), India and Royal Air Force (RAF), the UK. The exercise will formally conclude on 29 February 2020.
Exercise Indradhanush-V:
♦ The focus of the exercise is `Base Defence and Force Protection`.
♦ The exercise considers the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements.
♦ The exercise provides a platform to share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to counter terror threats to their installations.
♦ The RAF team comprises of 36 specialized combatants of the RAF Regiment while the IAF will comprise of 42 combatants of the GARUD Force.
♦ The teams will execute missions based on jointly worked out plans and scenarios.
♦ The will exercise using specialized weapons, equipment, and vehicles and validate joint employability.
♦ Special missions will encompass Airfield Seizure, Base Defence and anti-terror operations in Urban built-up zones.
♦ These exercises will include para drops from C-130J aircraft, tactical insertions by Mi-17 V5 helicopters and use of various airborne sensors.
♦ The participants will share operational experience, training philosophies, contemporary technologies, and best practices followed.
♦ Sports and cultural events will be held during the exercise to enhance bonhomie and mutual understanding.
Mansukh Mandaviya launched OPV-6 VAJRA in Chennai:
The 6th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-6) `VAJRA` was launched on 27 February at Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Union Minister of State for Shipping(I/C) and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the launching ceremony.
VAJRA:
♦ The 6th OPV VAJRA will strengthen the efforts of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to secure over 7500 km of vast coastline.
♦ The vessel will secure the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that covers over 20 lakh sq km and more than one lakh merchant ships transiting per year through Indian waters for global trade.
♦ 6th OPV will enhance the Operation, Surveillance, Search & Rescue of ICG.
The vessel was delivered by M/s L&T Shipbuilding under the Make in India policy.
♦ The ship will be used for day and night patrol or surveillance along with anti-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations in EEZ and Coastal Security.
♦ The OPV is equipped with two Navigation Radars with ultra-modern technology, Sophisticated navigational, and latest communication systems.
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